Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

Late in November, Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson had surgery on his back that fused his L5/S1 disk. Not much was made of it at the time because it was believed he'd be ready to go at the start of the season. Instead, he's going to miss the first month.

"Me getting back for the start of the season was never really a possibility, just from a timeline standpoint," Hudson said (MLB.com). "The kind of surgery I had is a three-to-sixth-month deal. Five months puts me at May 1."

Hudson could have certainly been ready for the start of the 2012 season had he undergone the procedure immediately when the 2011 season ended, but the initial plan was to avoid the surgery until after the 2012 season. By late November, though, he was forced to have the surgery.

Hudson, 36, was 16-10 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 158 strikeouts in 215 innings last season. He was pitching through the pain in his back, though.

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

No smack talk here. Just trying to get some honest opinions from Braves fans. Is this something that worries you? You know the upcoming prospects better than we do. Are they ready? How about Minor, is he ready for a full year in the rotation? Do you expect a sophmore slump for Beachy? Are JJ and Hanson healthy? Do you think Hudson will be ready on May 1? He's getting up there in age, and so sometimes recoveries take longer.

I know the Braves are a formidable opponent, and their starting rotation is a big part of that. So I just wanted to get some honest opinions from they fans who know them best: Is this something you worry a lot about?

Since: Mar 27, 2009

Posted on: February 20, 2012 2:41 pm

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

Maybe the Braves can trade back for Derek Lowe, all it would take from Cleveland is some good prospects! Just kidding... the Tribe needs him now that "Fausto Carmona" aka "a different guy" is stuck in Domincan Rep. indefinitely.

lingkind
Since: Feb 20, 2012

Posted on: February 20, 2012 12:02 pm

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Since: Oct 26, 2006

Posted on: February 20, 2012 9:50 am

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

I have Beachy, Kimbrel, Venters, Axford, Robertson and in my minors I have Delgado Moore Peacock Parker All 4 minors my start now I can draft around them beyes i'm short on hitting thats what the draft is for lol fore out dtraft starts i'll have 9 starters and a very good pen along with Cabrera Cuddyer and Gouldschmidt

Since: Jan 31, 2007

Posted on: February 20, 2012 7:43 am

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Since: Jun 15, 2010

Posted on: February 20, 2012 7:27 am

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

dear pearlsofwisdom, could you please translate your post post for the english speaking readers

Since: Jan 31, 2008

Posted on: February 20, 2012 2:47 am

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

And they probably still think jurrjens is still a health risk, and want to trade him

Since: Nov 7, 2010

Posted on: February 20, 2012 1:27 am

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

unfortunately Braves doesn't always care about veteran starting pitching depth and always they have to pay it...rely on younsters for long-stint is very risky...minors deals like J.Francis,Duke,Mitre,Maine,Cook,Gallarraga,Olson,Ohlendorf...it's a smart way to be ready to face injuries and avoid to rush kids to Majors in a team that aim at playoff like the Braves....1-2 of them not affect payroll but give team flexibility...

Since: Aug 2, 2011

Posted on: February 20, 2012 12:05 am

Tim Hudson to miss first month of '12 season

It will be interesting to see how Hudson comes back from his injury problems.

I don't know if Hudson's back problems are the same as Pinero's last year because if it is, Braves fans will have to hope that Hudson doesn't struggle like Pinero did.

Hudson, is wise to take his time and maybe use bullpen arms to take the fifth starters position.

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